Apple has been mum about its upcoming low-cost 9.7 inch iPad, but after the long wait finally, we get some fresh news about the device. The company will be hosting an educational ‘field-trip’ event in Chicago on Tuesday which is expected to cover the launch of the next iPad for the benefits of students. The iPad models for 2017 started at $329 (approx. Rs. 21,500) and according to some recent reports the 9.7-inch iPad is anticipated to cost even less.
A new rumour suggests that the 9.7-inch iPad will most probably have support for Apple Pencil. The reports come from a very credible source — Ming-Chi Kuo, a KGI Securities analyst, who said, “… the new low-priced 9.7 inch iPad will most likely support Apple Pencil” while talking to MacRumors. Kuo added that Apple might add support for the stylus to more iPhone and iPad models that’d be rolling out in the future.
The new iPad is suspected to compete against the likes of some affordable Windows laptops in the same price range as well as Google’s Chromebook which has gained much popularity in the past few months. The Apple Pencil is an additional feature which may act as an attractive attribute, giving the new iPad an edge over other similarly priced devices.
Ming-Chi Kuo also stated that the 9.7-inch model may account for 70 percent of all iPad shipments in 2018. The upcoming iPad is also rumoured to sport thinner bezels and it may even do away with the iconic home button, following the footsteps of the iPhone X. But that seems highly unlikely for an Apple product is said to be one of the cheapest in its category.
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The media invites for the event are already sent out and the logo on it seems to be made using the Apple Pencil. The pricing of the iPad isn’t available but according to the rumours, the 2018 iPad model will be priced around $259 (approx. Rs. 17,000), which doesn’t include Apple Pencil’s price. The buyers will need to get the Apple Pencil separately raising the bill by another $99 (approx. Rs. 6,400).
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